“Because of his care, Ryan can run and play like a normal kid his age with no problems,” says Jessica, describing what Scottish Rite for Children means to her family and her son, Ryan. From San Augustine, Texas, 7-year-old Ryan enjoys the great outdoors. From fishing to camping, he is always on the move with his younger sister, thanks to the treatment he receives from his care team.
At birth, Ryan was diagnosed with clubfoot, a condition that caused his right foot to turn inward and point downward. However, he was required to wear a custom brace with a lift due to an undiagnosed limb difference. After receiving care at outside insitutions, Ryan’s parents began researching their options, and in 2022, they came to Scottish Rite for solutions.
Upon arrival for their first visit, Ryan and his family met experts from the Center for Excellence in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction. Chief of Staff Emeritus J. A. “Tony” Herring, M.D., found that Ryan has tibial hemimelia in his right leg, specifically an atypical type 4 variant. This type of tibial hemimelia is rare and can cause significant foot and ankle deformity. After several X-rays and exams, they determined a Syme’s amputation would be the best option.
“The care team was so thorough that we had already made our decision before even leaving,” Jessica says. “They even explained everything to Ryan at a kid’s level. Now, Ryan feels comfortable answering all the doctor’s questions without me talking for him.”
A Syme’s amputation is a surgery that is done through the ankle joint, which prepares the leg for a prosthesis. After his amputation, Ryan worked with prosthetists and physical and occupational therapists to learn how to move around with his new prosthesis. Prosthetist Sara Martinson, L.P.O., C.P.O., created a custom-fitted prosthesis for Ryan while also forming a friendship with him.
“Ryan’s favorite person at Scottish Rite is Sara,” Jessica says. “Even if we are with another team member that day, Sara will stop by to greet and check on Ryan. She has been a godsend for sure.”
Now under the care of pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., Ryan is thriving. Dr. Gill continues to monitor his limb difference, ensuring that Ryan can run, jump and play as much as he wants. “I wish we would have found Scottish Rite sooner,” Jessica says. “Everyone has been like family, and that means more than you will ever know.”
